Tod's Inlet, Greenwich Point Park Travel Guide

4.9 (70)

Discover Tod Inlet: Where nature embraces history in a tranquil Vancouver Island setting. Explore lush trails and uncover the past.

Tod Inlet, nestled within Gowlland Tod Provincial Park near Victoria, BC, offers a serene escape with a rich history. Once a bustling industrial site for the Vancouver Portland Cement Company, it has transformed into a peaceful natural haven with remnants of its past life scattered throughout the lush forest.

A brief summary to Tod's Inlet

Old Greenwich, Old Greenwich, Connecticut, 06870, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tod's Inlet.

Wear sturdy shoes for hiking the trails, as some areas can be uneven or rocky.
Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the park.
Keep dogs on a leash to protect wildlife and sensitive nesting areas.
Check the BC Parks website for trail updates and closures before your visit.
Consider visiting during the off-season for a quieter, more secluded experience.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

The Bruce Museum Seaside Center

Greenwich Point Beach

Bruce Museum

Cos Cob Park

Bush-Holley House

Explore Tod's Inlet on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Tod's Inlet, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The primary access to Tod Inlet is via a walking trail from Wallace Drive. From Wallace Drive, near Butchart Gardens, look for the metal gate and wooden park signs marking the trailhead. The walk to the inlet is approximately 2.8km (roundtrip) and takes about 20 minutes to descend. The trail is well-maintained but can be uneven in places. There is no cost associated with accessing the trail.
Public Transport

From downtown Victoria, take BC Transit bus #75 (Saanichton) to the corner of Benvenuto Avenue and Wallace Drive. From there, walk south along Wallace Drive to the metal gate where the trail begins. The bus ride takes approximately 50 minutes. A single fare for public transport is $2.50 CAD. Check the BC Transit schedule for accurate timings.

Discover more about Tod's Inlet

Tod Inlet, a hidden gem within Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Located near Butchart Gardens, this tranquil inlet was once a thriving industrial site, home to the Vancouver Portland Cement Company from 1904 to the 1920s. Today, it serves as a reminder of the area's diverse past, where industry and nature intertwine.Originally known as SṈIDȻEȽ by the W̱SÁNEĆ (Saanich) First Nation, meaning "place of the Blue Grouse," the inlet was a vital area for gathering resources and sustenance. The W̱SÁNEĆ people thrived on the land's bounty for centuries before the arrival of European settlers.In the early 20th century, the Vancouver Portland Cement Company established a community around Tod Inlet, attracting a diverse workforce of Chinese, Sikh, and European immigrants. The remnants of this industrial past are still visible today, with concrete foundations, discarded bricks, and old garbage dumps scattered throughout the forest. These remnants serve as a poignant reminder of the lives and sacrifices of the workers who toiled in the cement plant and limestone quarries.Visitors to Tod Inlet can explore the network of trails that wind through the park, offering stunning views of the inlet and surrounding forest. The main trail to the inlet is relatively easy, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels. Along the way, hikers can discover remnants of the old cement plant, including wharf pilings and structural foundations.Today, Tod Inlet is a protected area, with ongoing efforts to restore the environmental degradation caused by past industrial activities. The park is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, making it a haven for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and simply relaxing in the serene atmosphere of this unique destination.